Conditions for exchanging an old phone for a new one with additional payment

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Published: 09.21.2018

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Exchanging an outdated mobile phone for a new one is a practice that is common in developed countries. How profitable it will be largely depends on the owner himself. Many shops and communication shops offer the possibility of such an exchange with an appropriate surcharge.

• Is it possible to exchange an old phone for a new one with an additional charge?
• How to exchange an old phone for a new one: instructions

A large number of different promotions allows you to choose the optimal program.

Why is exchanging an old smartphone for a new one profitable?

The main benefit is that trading in phones is simple and safe. So, if a used gadget is in a not completely destroyed condition, it is guaranteed to be accepted. And the owner will not have to waste time searching for a buyer, which is both time-consuming and, to a certain extent, risky, since there is a chance of encountering all sorts of scammers.

Yes, most likely, in the showroom of a large retail chain, you will be given a slightly smaller amount for exchanging an old smartphone for a new one than if you sell it on Avito and other flea markets. But there are also pleasant exceptions. For example, an acquaintance of the author of this text recently managed to sell an old smartphone as part of a trade-in for more than it cost in a new condition in a number of other networks.

This is interesting

There are loopholes in our legislation that will allow you to change your iPhone to a new one, even if it is technically sound. Implementing this return (exchange) is quite difficult; the procedure is carried out through litigation.

The reason for such a claim and such demands may be as follows:

• the manufacturer or seller hid any important relevant characteristics of the device from the consumer;
• the device was delivered to Russia illegally, and this fact was also hidden from the buyer;
• The device was sold under the guise of a new model, but in reality it was refurbished or used, which the buyer was not informed about.

It is very difficult to prove the fact of deception, but there are precedents for the reimbursement of funds or exchanges for new devices by court decision.

The application process is as follows. First, a claim is filed with the company that sold you the device. If your demands are not satisfied, then the seller is obliged to draw up a written refusal of the claim. With this document you go to court and draw up a statement of claim.

If your case does not meet the warranty criteria, Apple may offer you to return your device through a recycling program. In this case, you need to correctly assess the situation. Choose a more profitable option. It may be enough to do some minor repairs and your device will come back to life again.

There is another interesting fact. Apple accepts defective devices, and some of them are being re-released. If there is a minor defect, the device is repaired and a new case and display are installed. Such devices go on sale already with the “refurbished” status and have the same one-year warranty.

What is the main disadvantage of classic trade-in phones?

The fact is that the device being handed over must be in good condition; small scratches and abrasions are allowed (where would we be without them!), but they should not affect the performance of the gadget or have a completely negative impact on its appearance. In addition, the exchange is carried out according to the scheme “one old device + additional payment = one new device.”

According to Vedomosti, in less than a year, the number of used smartphones that Svyaznoy and Euroset buyers exchanged for new devices under Trade-In programs has grown more than 65 times. Thus, in April – June, buyers brought more than 100 thousand old devices. And, for example, at M.Video, over the course of a year and a half of Trade-In operation, the number of devices handed over has increased tenfold.

However, recently, retail chains are gradually moving away from the classic Trade-In, offering much more interesting and sometimes even unexpected options. In addition, they are joined by manufacturers who are ready to exchange old gadgets for new ones directly, without intermediaries. In this material, we have collected some of the most interesting options for exchanging old gadgets for new ones that have appeared recently. And this is not always Trade-In in the usual sense of the word.

Exchange an iPhone in Moscow using the Trade-in service

For a long time in Europe, owners of old models can replace them with a new gadget. But in the Russian Federation such an opportunity arose quite recently. Where can you replace your old gadget? This can only be done through official App Store retailers. When replacing, you need to know what rules must be followed.

Where are replacements made?

If you decide to replace your old iPhone, you need to contact official service stores. All big cities have them. In addition to service centers, replacements can be made in the online store. There are a lot of sites on the Internet that deal with replacing an old device with a new one. But you need to know that Internet resources should be used with caution, because the use of third-party sites can lead to danger. There are a lot of scammers on the Internet who are waiting for situations to take possession of a free iPhone.

This is interesting! Which company's smartphone is better to buy?

Svyaznoy: you can exchange your old smartphone in any condition

Since November, Svyaznoy has been running the Multi Trade-In program. It allows you to hand over several old smartphones/tablets at once - from two or more (both the same brand and different ones), and in return purchase any new smartphone of your choice, as well as a tablet, laptop or all-in-one PC. The discount on a new device can reach up to 100%. The retailer accepts smartphones from Samsung, Apple, Huawei, Honor, Sony and LG, as well as tablets from Samsung, Apple and Huawei (full list here) regardless of their external condition, including broken screens, cracks, etc. At the same time The devices that the buyer wants to return do not necessarily have to be purchased in Russia: the retailer also accepts smartphones/tablets intended for the foreign market. The presence of packaging and accessories is also not necessary.

Svyaznoy also offers the Smart Protect service, which is not classified as Trade-In, but is also associated with the exchange of old smartphones for new ones. It allows you in the future, when you return your old device, to receive a discount of up to 70% of its price when purchasing a new one. When purchasing gadgets in all Svyaznoy stores, customers can obtain a certificate valid for a year. It costs 20% of the price of the purchased smartphone. A monetary discount, for example, on a new smartphone is based on the cost of a previously purchased device. When using the certificate within a period of up to six months, the discount on a new device will be 70% of the cost of the old device, in the period from 6 to 12 months - 50%. Moreover, the discount does not depend on the condition of the returned gadget, which is returned to the store - it can be broken, flooded with water, or burned due to a voltage drop.

Why recycle your phone?

Because the phone contains elements that are dangerous to the environment.
Even if the phone is not suitable for use, it is impossible to sell it, according to the owner, there is no need to rush to throw it in the trash. Once at a conventional MSW landfill, the technical device is a source of contamination of the soil and inland waters.

The following components of the gadget pose a threat to the environment:

1. The battery is a source of toxins such as lithium, lead and alkali, as well as mercury and others;
2. The body, which consists of metal and plastic. The first decomposes within 10 years, and the second remains in the soil for decades, releasing dioxins into the air in case of fire;
3. Glass - turns back into sand within 200-300 years;
4. Rubber elements (buttons, housing) are a source of toxic gases released during combustion.

For reference! Dioxins have a detrimental effect on the human body and are the cause of many serious and fatal diseases.

Why is it strongly recommended to hand over non-working phones to special collection points instead of throwing them in a landfill? One phone will not cause any significant damage. But every user has these devices, often more than one.

Every year from 20 to 28 million smartphones are purchased in Russia. Old phones are resold, given away or thrown away as unnecessary. The average weight of one device is 300-350 g. Even if only 10% (2-2.8 million devices) ends up in a landfill per year, then this is 700-900 tons of hazardous substances. Over 10 years, volumes grow to 7-9 kilotons. Environmental disaster is just around the corner.

"M.Video": you can exchange a smartphone, tablet and even video games

M.Video went even further. You cannot hand over several gadgets at once, but you can bring a broken and completely non-functional device - and they can accept it. True, it is not entirely clear what should be understood by non-working. On the page with a calculator, where you can pre-calculate the amount at which the device will be valued, gadgets are divided into two categories: “in satisfactory condition” and “damaged screen.” There is no "doesn't work at all" option. One way or another, at V.Video you can return Apple, Samsung, Huawei and Honor devices, and in return receive a discount on the purchase of a new smartphone of any brand. The discount on a new device can reach 100%. Video games and tablets are also accepted here. In this case, the latter should only be in satisfactory condition - without problems with performance.

MegaFon: they only accept smartphones in working condition for exchange

MegaFon accepts heavily damaged iPhone, Samsung, Sony and LG smartphones. The user can return the device with any chips or cracks. The only requirement for the screen is that the sensor must work and the image must be present. An old and damaged device will be assessed depending on the model and the degree of damage, after which MegaFon will offer a certain discount on a new device. Devices that cannot turn on and devices with inoperative screens will not be accepted.

Additional Information

The criteria for refusal to exchange, under which the visitor will not receive privileges, deserve special attention. The device must:

• have the correct IMEI (the information on the case must match the real information);
• start and respond to the owner’s actions (via the display, since damage to the buttons is allowed);
• not be linked to an account.

Sometimes large chips and scratches on the display lead to refusal of acceptance. Screen condition is important for several Samsung models.

The program does not provide for other restrictions or important requirements, but if you have doubts and want to get additional information, you should call the company’s contact center. Support operators will definitely clarify and explain all unclear points and nuances.

Samsung: you can rent a flagship smartphone

Samsung has a classic Trade-In program, and there is a Samsung Forward leasing program, launched in Russia on October 1. It allows you to get a flagship smartphone for a fixed monthly fee - 3,990, 4,154 and 3,790 rubles in the case of Samsung Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy S9+ and Galaxy S9. A program participant can replace a smartphone with a newer model for free after 12 payments or do it earlier with an additional payment of 3,900 rubles. There is no need to pay the residual cost of the device. If desired, the client can continue to use the gadget after 12 payments, redeeming it at the residual value immediately (for example, in the case of the Galaxy S9, you will have to pay 22,894 rubles for this), or continuing to make the same payment until the redemption amount is repaid.

MTS: offering a smartphone by subscription

MTS recently launched a similar program - a smartphone by subscription. During the year, the buyer pays a fixed amount monthly, and during this period the volume of payments reaches approximately 50% of the price of the device. Then the program participant can either change the device to a new model and continue using the subscription, or keep the smartphone for themselves. In this case, he will have to make monthly payments for another six months. For now, the program is valid only for Samsung smartphones, but in 2020 MTS intends to include devices from other manufacturers, for example, Apple and Huawei.

In the case of Samsung models, as MTS says, in the end you will have to pay no more than 80% of the cost of the device. A 20% discount from the operator will be provided; in addition, program participants will receive a 10% discount on communication services. An important difference between the MTS program and a similar service provided by Samsung is that the operator option works throughout Russia, and not just in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Samara, Murmansk and Ivanovo.

Meizu: any old smartphone is valued at 15% of the price of a new one

The Chinese company's Trade-In program operates throughout Russia. In Moscow, St. Petersburg and Novosibirsk, you can exchange your old device with a surcharge for a new one offline in company stores, and residents of other cities should choose a courier company (it can be any) and send the smartphone to the Meizu office in Moscow at their own expense. Next, in the Meizu online store or on the website pixelphone.ru, you should place an order for any new Meizu smartphone, choosing to pay for the Trade-In promotion with a 15% discount (this is how much any old Meizu device or any other manufacturer is valued, even if it is beaten or broken). In the notes to the order, you must indicate the track number of the parcel with the old smartphone sent to Meizu. As soon as the old device arrives at Meizu, they will send you a new one. Offline, you don’t have to wait for anything, an old smartphone from any manufacturer is valued at 15% of the price of a new one, you trade it in and buy a Meizu device with a corresponding discount.

Returning your iPhone

Apple launched a promotion to exchange old phones for new ones with an additional payment back in 2013.
To do this, it was decided to use the Trade-in practice, which was launched in 2010 and has taken root for the disposal of used cars. By adding a certain amount, the owner can purchase a new vehicle. The same applies to the surrender of iPhones. The program has been running in our country since the summer of 2020. The promotion is valid on an indefinite basis in Svyaznoy, Euroset and re Store. They accept iPhones version 4 and higher, and exchange phones for version 6 and higher.

These stores rent out smartphones purchased from official sellers in Russia. A device purchased in China or another country, even if it is licensed, will not be accepted. The device must not be seriously damaged:

• chips;
• cracks;
• scratches

After this, all data is erased and the phone returns to factory settings. The iPhone is taken out of the country for further resale.

Exchange is available in Damprodam and M Video stores. In the first case, the promotion is valid on an indefinite basis, the second temporarily suspended the program.

Damprodam sells iPhones version 5 and higher. Laptops from this company are also exchanged. You can calculate the cost of the amount on the official website using an online calculator. The program is available to residents of the capital. Company employees are working to launch promotions in other cities of the country.

Before handing over the device, you must unlink iCloud. The service offers both exchanging your phone for a new one and selling it. Any devices, even those with a broken screen, purchased from unofficial sellers outside the country are accepted. The store has a courier service, an employee of which will come to any location and independently pick up the phone and provide payment.

We recommend: Promotions and recycling programs for old household appliances

M Video had a promotion for exchanging old devices. It was possible to exchange smartphones from 2016−2017. release. Gadgets were accepted in good condition, without chips or cracks, preferably with a complete set. The minimum discount is 2,500 rubles, the maximum is 32 thousand rubles. Operated throughout the country.